Lake Co. teen charged in shooting to get psych test

A Round Lake Beach teen who police say shot a fellow gang member in the leg, will be evaluated for his psychological fitness to stand trial, a judge ruled Friday.

Juan Arias, 17, suffers from depression and alcohol and drug abuse, according to a report given to Associate Judge George Bridges.

Lake County Assistant State's Attorney Matt Demartini said Arias, of the 1500 block of Woodbine Drive, was walking with four other males in the area of Glenwood and Cedar Lake Road on Sept. 30. Some members of a rival gang threw a rock at the group, Demartini said, and Arias reached for a .38-caliber revolver he had in his waistband.

The pistol fired as Arias drew it, Demartini said, and the bullet struck a 23-year-old Round Lake Beach man who was standing next to Arias at the time.

The man suffered a severe leg wound, Demartini said, and was treated at Advocate Condell Medical Center in Libertyville for several days after the shooting.

Arias then fired five more rounds in the direction of the rival gang, Demartini said. One bullet passed into the kitchen of a nearby house where a family was eating dinner and lodged in a wall.

No one was hit by any of the five final shots Arias fired, Demartini said.

A probation officer who had compiled a personal history of Arias for the court, prepared the report recommending the psychological evaluation.

Bridges ordered the evaluation and asked for an update on Arias' fitness to be filed by Feb. 9.

Arias is charged with aggravated battery with a firearm, aggravated discharge of a firearm and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon. He could be sentenced to up to 30 years in prison if convicted.